Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta doesn’t always jump off the page when you’re looking at box scores, but don’t underestimate his impact on winning. Queta’s assignment entering the 2025-26 season was to help fill a gaping void left in the wake of Al Horford, Luke Kornet, and Kristaps Porzingis, and Queta has delivered.

Averages of 9.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game don’t tell the complete story on Queta. His defensive rating (entering Monday’s games) was fifth-best in the entire NBA at 100.6.

Joe Mazzulla was asked about Queta’s defense on Sunday ahead of the Celtics-Magic game. At that point, Queta ranked third in the league in defensive rating.

“I think our defense is pretty good in general,” Mazzulla said, per WEEI’s Justin Turpin . “But I think he’s

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